Leader Resources

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Articles

What Am I Not Seeing? Practicing Empathy in Outdoor Leadership – and Life

[24‑Mar‑2024] Leadership "all starts, or stops, with empathy. Leaders with real empathy are able to connect with those around them ... to make whatever walls may exist between people crumble and disappear." – Herb Greenberg. AMC STAFF »

Forms

Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risks & Release Agreement

[Feb‑2023] Release agreement for volunteer-led activities, to be printed out, read, signed, and returned to AMC. PDF »

Acknowledgment and Assumption of Risks & Release and Indemnity Agreement

[Jun‑2023] Release agreement for AMC's adventure travel. PDF »

Covid-19 Warning & Acknowledgment and Assumption of Risks & Release and Indemnity Agreement

[Feb‑2023] Release agreement for AMC's volunteer-led camps and cabins. PDF »

Photo Release

[Feb‑2023] AMC photo release form. PDF »

Photo Release: Groups

[Feb‑2023] AMC group photo release form. PDF »

Volunteer Accident/Incident Report Form

[Feb‑2023] Use this form to report any incidents encountered during an AMC-led trip. PDF »

White Mountain National Forest Summary of Use

[Feb‑2023] Summary of use form for activities conducted in NH's White Mountain National Forest. PDF »

Guidance Documents

Activity Rating System: Backcountry Skiing

[31‑Dec‑2022] AMC's activity rating system for backcountry skiing. READ MORE »

Activity Rating System: Biking

[31‑Dec‑2022] AMC's activity rating system for biking. READ MORE »

Activity Rating System: Climbing and Mountaineering

[31‑Dec‑2022] AMC's activity rating system for climbing and mountaineering. READ MORE »

Activity Rating System: Hiking, Backpacking, and Trekking

[31‑Dec‑2022] AMC's activity rating system for hiking, backpacking, and trekking. READ MORE »

Activity Rating System: Paddling

[31‑Dec‑2022] AMC's activity rating system for paddling. READ MORE »

Activity Rating System: Youth and Family Hiking

[31‑Dec‑2022] AMC's activity rating system for youth (14 & under) and family hiking. READ MORE »

Code of Conduct

[14‑Jun‑2018] We invite and help people of all identities to explore, develop, and deepen their appreciation of the natural world. AMC's Code of Conduct is meant to help guide and inspire behavior that creates a welcoming community. AMC »

COVID-19 Resources for Activity Leaders

[12‑Jul‑2020] Although the COVID-19 pandemic is by no means over, AMC and the Berkshire Chapter (now Western MA Chapter) are applying careful evidence-based risk management practices to chart a path forward for volunteer-led outdoor activities to resume safely. READ MORE »

Crisis Communication Chart

[Jun‑2016] Use this form to report any incidents encountered during an AMC-led trip. AMC »

Dogs on AMC Activities: Scenarios for Leaders

[19‑Mar‑2024] AMC Leaders can include or exclude pets on their events according to their own preferences provided they are permitted by the land manager. Leaders who include pets should evaluate them accordingly. AMC »

Guide to Listing an AMC Event on Meetup

[21‑Jul‑2019] Meetup has proven to be a wonderful tool for recruiting participants (not to mention new members and future leaders) of all backgrounds for AMC activities, and it works best when leaders who list events on the site understand how to use it to its full potential. This document was created to help leaders use Meetup in a way that increases participation on their events and fosters awareness of AMC as a larger conservation, education, and recreation organization. PDF »

Guide to Listing an AMC Event on Meetup

[19‑Mar‑2024] This document was created to help leaders use Meetup in a way that increases participation on their events and fosters awareness of AMC as a larger conservation, education, and recreation organization. AMC »

How to Advertise Chapter Trips

[21‑Jul‑2019] Volunteer trip leaders, especially new ones, often ask "Where and how can I advertise/promote my upcoming chapter trip to maximize turnout?" It's a great question! This document offers tips and suggestions. PDF »

Leadership Requirements and Guidelines

[15‑Mar‑2015] This document establishes requirements and guidelines for volunteer units of AMC and its leaders. AMC »

Outdoor Leader Handbook

[Jan‑2022] The AMC Outdoor Leader Handbook provides information for leaders to assist them in minimizing risk while leading enjoyable trips; raises each leader's level of outdoor leadership awareness; helps leaders become aware of the skills they need to develop; builds confidence and enthusiasm about leading trips; and teaches leaders how to plan, organize, and lead trips. PDF »

Trailhead Talk

[13‑Jan‑2013] Assess, circle up, review! READ MORE »

Using MeetUp to Advertise Your Trips

[20‑Jun‑2019] This document explains why and how approved AMC trip leaders may use MeetUp to advertise their trips. READ MORE »

Winter Hiking Gear List: Track I – Beginner to Intermediate Gear List

[10‑Dec‑2023] AMC Western MA Hiking Committee's beginner to intermediate gear list for winter hiking. PDF »

Winter Hiking Gear List: Track II – Intermediate to Advanced Gear List

[10‑Dec‑2023] AMC Western MA Hiking Committee's intermediate to advanced gear list for winter hiking. PDF »

Policies

Trip Policy

[17‑Mar‑2024] AMC's goal is to be a community that is comfortable, inviting, and accessible for people of all dimensions of diversity. PDF »

Websites

Center for Outdoor Learning and Leadership

[17‑Mar‑2024] AMC's Center for Outdoor Learning and Leadership (COLL) offers accessible and affordable outdoor skill resources, workshops, and training, engaging thousands of people each year in industry-leading offerings. AMC COMMUNITY »

Volunteer Resources

[17‑Mar‑2024] Forms, manuals and resources for AMC volunteers and leaders. AMC COMMUNITY »